CAMPAIGNERS battling to save seven post office branches in some of the most deprived communities in Wales from closure have taken their fight to Westminster.

CAMPAIGNERS battling to save seven post office branches in some of the most deprived communities in Wales from closure have taken their fight to Westminster.

A delegation from Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council met Trade Minister Stephen Timms in protest at plans to shut six branches in Ebbw Vale and one in Tredegar.

The move comes following the end of Post Office Ltd's much criticised consultation process which led to thousands of residents registering their objection to the proposal.

Leading the delegation, Blaenau Gwent MP Llew Smith said closure would hit the elderly, disabled and young mums hardest and ran against the Government's own commitment to tackle social exclusion in deprived areas.

"There is unanimity of opposition to these closures but they have treated these communities with contempt," Mr Smith said.